Description
Grandma Joyce’s Beef Rouladen is a traditional German dish that combines tender beef with a savory filling of mustard, pickles, bacon, and onions. Simmered in a rich beef gravy, this comforting meal is perfect for family gatherings and special occasions, offering a warm, nostalgic taste of home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Thinly sliced beef (such as top round or flank steak)
- 1 large onion (for the filling and gravy)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
- 4 dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 4 strips of bacon, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening the gravy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for browning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Rouladen Filling:
Lay out the beef slices on a clean surface. Season each piece with salt and pepper, then spread a thin layer of mustard over each slice. Add a slice of bacon, a few pieces of pickle, and a bit of onion to the center of each beef slice. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. - Brown the Beef Rouladen:
Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the rouladen on all sides for 5-7 minutes until golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Gravy Base:
In the same skillet, add more oil or butter and sauté the remaining onion for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Add beef broth, stirring to combine. - Simmer the Rouladen:
Return the browned rouladen to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, turning occasionally until the beef is tender. - Serve & Enjoy:
Remove toothpicks or twine. Spoon the gravy over the rouladen and serve with mashed potatoes, spaetzle, or buttered noodles.
Notes
- Don’t skip the mustard, as it adds essential tanginess to balance the rich flavors.
- For a deeper flavor, simmer the rouladen on low heat for an extra hour if time permits.
- If you don’t have beef broth, use a high-quality beef stock for a richer gravy.
- You can prepare the rouladen ahead of time and reheat them, which will make the flavors even better.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Roulade with gravy
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 105mg